Blood Royal: A True Tale of Crime and Detection in Medieval Paris

UCLA professor and expert in medieval literature Jager (The Last Duel) examines the sensational assassination which rocked 15th Century France, as he explores the life, death, and legacy of Louis of Orleans. Drawing on extensive reports detailing the murder and its subsequent investigation, Jager reconstructs the chain of events, motives, and political squabbling that lit the spark. Though the story is ostensibly about the murder of Louis, brother to mad King Charles and frequent regent of France, it takes on a much larger scope as the uncovering of the mastermind leads to political maneuvering, civil war, and ultimately invasion by England. The purported hero of the piece, Guillaume de Tignonville, provost of Paris, quickly takes a backseat to royal infighting, brazen public manipulation, and outright treason, revealing the dark, unstable side to society of that era. Jager's attention to atmosphere and detail allows the setting to come to life in all its gruesome detail, especially as he explores the nature of crime and punishment and the many grisly repercussions for the those held responsible. Despite the misleading focus on Tignonville's investigation, this is a fascinating and complex look at the tumultuous events of early 15th century France. Agent: Glen Hartley and Lynn Chu, Writers' Representatives. (Feb.)